Clive Field from the Cotswold Canals Trust writes on how yesterday's blaze at a historic warehouse in Wallbridge was "a sad day for Stroud."

The Fire and Rescue Service were called to Cheapside Wharf, Wallbridge at 4pm yesterday, Tuesday, August 21.

The former Thames & Severn Canal Company Warehouse was found to be ablaze.

Photo by Mel Ryan

History

This Grade II Listed building was built in 1828, as part of Wallbridge Wharf on the Thames and Severn Canal at Cheapside.

The photo below is a from a glass ‘magic lantern’ slide dated 1855. It shows a wharf crane and coal stacked on the wharf.

Reasons for Grade II Listing

Architectural interest

The building is a relatively uncommon surviving example of a wharf warehouse, retaining quality ashlar dressings and intact adjoining wharf walls.

Historic interest

As part of the development of the nationally-significant interchange between the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames and Severn Canal.

Additional historic interest is provided by the fact that building was requisitioned in WWII as a potential mortuary in the event of a gas attack on Stroud.

A new waterfront for Stroud

The Cheapside Wharf site and warehouse have been secured for development by Gloucester based Newland Homes.

The company’s Marketing Manager Chris Parker commented, “Newland Homes is extremely disappointed that Wallbridge Warehouse has been damaged by fire. We are currently assessing the damage and working with our partners to ensure the building is as shored up as possible. Once we know more we will be able to assess our position.”